Breaking Barriers: ADM's Nicole Yo is redefining innovation, inclusion, and impact in the world of flavour creation

With a career shaped by experimentation, empathy, and empowerment, Nicole Yo, Vice-President, Creation, Design & Development APAC, and Principal Flavourist, ADM, shares how she is helping shape a more equitable future for women in STEM.

Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation — it thrives in environments where people feel heard, supported, and encouraged to take risks. In the world of flavour creation, where science meets art, Nicole Yo, Vice-President, Creation, Design & Development (CD&D) APAC, and Principal Flavourist, ADM, has spent over two decades asking the bold questions, blending curiosity with deep technical expertise.

Yet beyond the lab, her passion lies in creating space for others to rise. Whether mentoring the next generation of women in STEM, advocating for flexible workplaces, or partnering with youth-led organisations, she’s helping build a culture where inclusivity isn’t an initiative — it’s the foundation.

As she shares in this interview with Priya Sunil, breaking barriers isn’t just about doing things differently. It’s about making sure others have the opportunity — and the confidence — to do so too.

Q You’ve spent over two decades shaping the flavours we experience daily. What first drew you to the food and flavouring industry, and what has kept you passionate about it?

My journey into the world of flavour began unexpectedly when I started working as a perfumer assistant. That early experience with fragrances introduced me to the complexity of aromatic compounds, and it eventually led to my exposure to the flavours department, where I discovered a similar artistry in crafting taste experiences.

What drew me to flavouring was the added challenge it presented. Flavour creation requires a deep understanding of both taste and aroma, and how they work together to shape a full sensory experience. Creating a flavour that not only tastes 'right' but also delivers the intended aroma and overall sensory experience felt like a complex and rewarding creative endeavour. It isn’t just about identifying individual components, but about blending them in harmony.

For over two decades, what has kept me passionate is the field’s endless room for creativity. There's always something new to explore – whether it’s a novel ingredient, a unique combination, a culinary tradition, or an emerging technology. Consumer preferences and the food landscape are constantly evolving, which means there's always a fresh challenge and an opportunity to innovate. This constant learning keeps the work dynamic and rewarding.

Q STEM fields remain largely male-dominated, and the Global Gender Gap Report estimates it could take 134 years to close the gap. What were some of the key challenges you faced early in your career, and how did you navigate them?

While I've seen positive shifts in the field of flavouring, there's still progress to be made across STEM. Interestingly, my entry into the industry presented a somewhat unusual scenario. I joined my first company as part of a trainee programme, and all four of us selected were women. While the company had aimed for a balanced gender mix, it turned out that the top-performing candidates based on test scores and assessments were all female. This early experience was both refreshing and formative, placing me in environment where we were evaluated on merit and potential, rather than navigating the biases that may come with being in a male-dominated setting.

As my career advanced and I engaged more broadly with the industry, I became more aware of the underrepresentation of women in technical roles. That said, I’ve been encouraged over the years to see more women entering and thriving as flavourists.

Beyond the challenges of gender representation in the field itself, one of the struggles that resonates with many women in professional fields is balancing career growth with family life. Especially when starting a family, juggling the demands of motherhood alongside the expectations of a high-commitment profession is not easy. It requires making tough choices, setting boundaries, and leaning on a strong support system. I was fortunate to have understanding colleagues, employers and family members who recognised those challenges and helped me navigate them.

Q Developing flavours requires both scientific expertise and creativity. How have you approached innovation in your career?

Innovation, to me, starts with mindset and environment. I encourage curiosity by asking ‘what if’ questions that challenge assumptions and spark new ideas. This approach has led my team to unexpected and exciting discoveries.

I believe experimentation is at the heart of innovation, which means embracing risk and stepping outside our comfort zones.

Playing it safe rarely leads to breakthroughs. I don’t see failure as a setback, but rather a valuable learning opportunity. Not every experiment will yield a groundbreaking flavour, and that's perfectly fine. Each attempt, whether successful or not, provides valuable insights into ingredient interactions and flavour dynamics. By fostering a culture where mistakes are viewed as stepping stones rather than setbacks, we create the right environment for true innovation to thrive.

Q You lead ADM’s Women’s Employee Resource Group (ERG) in APAC, supporting and advancing women in STEM. What are some key initiatives the ERG has driven, and how have they made a difference?

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside passionate colleagues who are deeply committed to creating food and beverage solutions that people love. Beyond my role in flavour and product innovation, one of the most fulfilling aspects of my journey has been leading ADM’s Women’s ERG in APAC. This voluntary, employee-led community is dedicated to supporting and advancing women and is open to all employees regardless of backgrounds and experiences. It’s been inspiring to see how mentorship, advocacy, and shared experiences can build confidence and open doors for women.

One initiative I’m particularly proud of is our collaboration with Inspiring Girls Singapore, a local charity organisation dedicated to raising the aspirations of young girls. Through this partnership, we welcomed female students to ADM’s Customer Creation and Innovation Centre (CCIC) in Singapore, where they engaged in hands-on flavour creation activities and connected with female members of our CD&D team.

Beyond sparking curiosity about the science behind flavours, these visits created a space for meaningful conversations around career possibilities in STEM. Additionally, we participated in speed networking sessions hosted by Inspiring Girls Singapore, where students had to chance to hear from ADM female employees about their career journeys.

Internally, we continue to foster a culture of support and broaden exposure to possibilities for women by engaging external female speakers to discuss topics such as career growth, personal branding, and overcoming challenges across industries.

At its core, these initiatives highlight the power of representation and mentorship. By creating opportunities for meaningful connections and open conversations, we hope to empower young girls and women at different stages of their careers to build confidence, pursue their aspirations, and unlock their full potential.

Q Representation matters when it comes to inspiring future generations. How has mentorship — whether as a mentor or mentee — shaped your own career?

Mentorship has been a meaningful part of my career journey – both as someone who has benefitted from the guidance of others and as a mentor myself. Early on, I was fortunate to have mentors who created an environment where the focus was on performance, potential, and the willingness to learn. This emphasis on merit allowed me to thrive and build confidence in my abilities.

As I continue to develop in my leadership journey, I have come to value mentorship even more. That is why initiatives like our collaboration with Inspiring Girls Singapore and internal programmes tied to occasions such as International Women’s Day (IWD) resonate so deeply with me. These platforms create opportunities for women to share authentic, personal experiences – not just moments of success, but the challenges, setbacks, and lessons along the way. In doing so, they offer reassurance and encouragement for others navigating similar paths.

On a personal level, mentoring others has shaped my own growth in unexpected ways. It has deepened my appreciation for empathy, authenticity, and humility in leadership. Mentoring is not just about guiding others; it’s about actively listening, learning from one another, and helping someone see possibilities they might not have recognised before.

Q Beyond formal programmes, what do you think organisations can do to create a truly inclusive environment where women in STEM can thrive?

While formal initiatives are important in fostering inclusivity, creating an environment where women in STEM can thrive requires a more holistic approach. It’s about shaping a workplace culture that consistently values and respects different perspectives, making inclusivity a natural part of how an organisation operates every day.

One of the most powerful ways to do this is by fostering psychological safety, where employees feel comfortable voicing their ideas and concerns, and challenging the status quo without fear of judgement.

When leaders actively seek out viewpoints and make sure all voices are heard and respected, it builds trust and encourages innovation.

For women in STEM, knowing that their contributions are welcomed and valued can make a profound difference in their confidence and engagement at the workplace.

Equally important is visibility. Seeing women in leadership and technical roles signals that these career paths are achievable and celebrated. At ADM, we’ve explored different ways to spotlight this message beyond our own female leaders. For example, during our International Women’s Day event this year, we hosted a conversation with a female Muay Thai champion who shared her experiences in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her perspective on discipline and perseverance served as a powerful reminder that women can succeed in any field, including STEM.

Ultimately, creating an inclusive environment is shaped by both formal initiatives and the everyday actions that define a company’s culture. It is about creating space for different perspectives, ensuring fair access to opportunities, and encouraging open dialogue.

Q Breaking barriers isn’t just about personal success—it’s about paving the way for others. What’s one lesson you’ve learned that you wish more women in STEM knew earlier?

Don’t be afraid to try. The limits of our journey are often set by our own doubts and the opportunities we prematurely dismiss. The reality is, growth comes from stepping beyond our comfort zones and embracing the learning that comes with both successes and failures. More importantly, when women in STEM actively put themselves forward, even when feeling uncertain, they normalise taking risks and inspire others to do the same.

My message to women in STEM is this: Don't let the fear of not being 'ready' hold you back. Embrace the challenge, raise your hand, and trust in your ability to learn and grow. The path forward is rarely straightforward, but by daring to try, you not only unlock your own potential but also light the way for others, paving the road for the next generation of women in STEM.

Q On a fun note, if your career journey were captured in a flavour, what would it taste like and why?

If my career journey were a flavour, it wouldn’t be a single, straightforward taste. Instead, I’d describe it as an ingredient – cocoa powder.

Just like cocoa’s transformation from bean to powder through fermentation, drying, and grinding, my career has gone through different phases, each requiring dedication, adaptability, commitment, and learning.

And just as cocoa powder blends with other ingredients to create something richer, collaboration, mentorship, and teamwork have all shaped my professional growth, making it more fulfilling than anything I could have achieved alone.

Cocoa powder’s versatility, whether as the base of a warm drink or the key ingredient in a cake, also mirrors my journey. My career hasn't been a one-dimensional path, but rather a multi-faceted journey, where I’ve applied my skills in diverse contexts and opportunities. Through all the changes, I’ve stayed true to my values while refining my skills, ensuring that every step forward leads to something meaningful and rewarding.